Jul 09
2 Americans Set to Join Aston Villa
Early July is the heart of transfer rumor season and we are really feeling it now. This site normally doesn’t have to deal with a heavy dosage of European rumors, but this summer, there seem to be plenty of Americans on the move as well. So as we continue with our relentless coverage of Americans transfering, there come news from the British Midlands about some young Yanks.The Sun is reporting that Aston Villa will attempt to sign Brad Guzan again this summer. Guzan’s purchase in January was done and dusted before he was denied a work permit. The good news this time, Guzan has received four more caps since his failed January transfer so it should be easier for him this time. If Guzan signs for Villa, he will be the starting goalkeeper.
If Guzan does sign, and you read the title correctly, there is one more American that will be signing for Villa. Drum roll please… the Times is reporting that Frank Simek is in “Advanced talks” with Villa about a move from Sheffield Wednesday. Simek, who played in the Arsenal youth system has been with Wednesday for three years.
What do you think of a growing American contingent at Villa? There’s the owner, potentially two players, Leave your thoughts about these two moves below.
July 9th, 2008 at 8:59 am
I have no idea how he’s doing but there already is one Yank on Villa’s books, Eric Lichaj, I think he went to UNC and signed there after a couple years in college. As for Guzan, I liked this move a lot in January so hopefully it will finally happen. He seems to be a bit distracted about his immenent move and has been a little off so far this MLS season. As for Simek, I know he was playing very well for Wednesday but it seems like he’s been injured now for a while. Any word on how he’s progessing? Obviously getting into the Prem is great step up for him and we really need someone else challenging Dolo for the RB spot.
July 9th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Oh, and also I’m glad to an American owner (Randy Lerner) willing to shell out some loot for our young Yanks. hopefully yhte other Yank owners will follow suit.
July 9th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Lichaj is on the books but he is just in the academy right now. I’ve actually never heard of him before you mentioned him, thanks. As for Simek, he is progressing well but is frustrated by how much time it takes for his ankle to heal. He apparently has played a few reserve games but now, he is taking it day to day. Cherundolo does need some pressure at RB and hopefully Spector and Simek can give it to him. Simek might not be ready for the beginning of the season but a late august early september return is possible.
July 9th, 2008 at 9:49 am
Jeez, he will have been out for almost a year. Glad to see teams are still interested in bringing him in despite the injury. Hopefully he’ll recover sooner than expected. Villa are making some good offseason moves so they should be one of those teams contending for that 6-12 spots.
July 9th, 2008 at 9:52 am
agreed, It’s even better if they get it done with Americans too. What we need is more guys playing on top half English teams. These two moves should be great. Guzan will start and when Simek is healthy, he’s at least a sub. I hope we get to see a lot of Villa on FSC.
July 9th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Look forward to the Fulham-Villa game….So when you think our Yanks should be moving. By month’s end? Any word on Demerit gettign picked up by an EPL squad?
July 9th, 2008 at 10:39 am
If Simek does go, probably in the next week. Guzan might be a week or two because Villa is also looking at Paul Robinson and possibly Ben Foster although Foster is less likely. They all should be signed by month end though, since preseason is starting soon, these transfers should go down in a week or two. As for Demerit, I’ve had my ear to the ground but it appears he’s worked out his differences with Aidy Boothrooyd and will be staying another year. If a team emerges as a suitor though, I think he will go, but for now, he’s set to stay.
July 9th, 2008 at 10:58 am
So I guess we’ll have a few Yanks playing in the Championship….You think those players would be better in say Eredivise or Ligue 1?
July 9th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Yeah, I would say so. The Eredivisie and Ligue 1 are better, more competitive leagues than the Championship, but I think there is a level of comfort that comes with playing in England, especially with the language. That’s why I think people prefer to play in the Championship when they could play at a higher level in france or holland.